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Oakleigh Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Oakleigh neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, is characterized as a Low Diversity community with a Black Majority. In 2022, 99% of the population was Black, with minimal representation of other racial groups. The median income in 2022 was $34,202, an increase from previous years. Oakleigh is known for its historic district, featuring antebellum homes that attract tourists to Mobile.
Over the past decade, Oakleigh has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, Black Majority community. From 2013 to 2022, the Black population remained above 95%, with minor fluctuations. A brief period from 2015 to 2019 showed a slight increase in diversity, with 3% of residents identifying as two or more races and 1% as White. This trend reversed by 2020, returning to a more pronounced Black Majority.
The consistent racial composition suggests strong community ties and limited gentrification. The median income in Oakleigh has shown an upward trend over the past decade. In 2013, the median income was $18,480, increasing to $34,202 by 2022. This economic improvement occurred while maintaining the racial composition, suggesting internal economic growth within the existing community.
The population has fluctuated over the years, with a general downward trend from 4,363 in 2010 to 3,617 in 2022. This population decrease, coupled with rising incomes, could indicate that some residents moved out while those who remained experienced improved economic conditions.
The demographic stability of Oakleigh contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban areas. The significant increase in median income is a positive trend, considering that Black communities in the United States often face economic challenges. However, the 2022 median income of $34,202 remains below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,000 in 2021.
Oakleigh presents a case of a historically significant neighborhood that has maintained a stable racial demographic while experiencing economic improvement. The challenge moving forward may be to continue this economic growth while addressing the population decline and potentially fostering greater diversity in line with national trends, if desired by the community.
